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Saturday, November 28, 2009

Help Me Choose My Coat Buttons!

My coat-in-progress calls for six big old buttons, 1-1/4" each to be exact. I've decided to go the self-fabric covered button route, and I'll be sending away to have them done professionally at Pat's Custom Buttons and Belts. (Read my post about Pat's here.) I know they are going to be just fabulous. My only problem is that Pat has so many button styles to choose from! So. I could really use your help here.Here's the pattern I'm using, to refresh your memory:

I'm making view D, the one shown in ivory in the front. As you can see, the button choice is crucial with this design.

My instincts are telling me to go with a classic half ball shape.

But isn't this "combination flat" design interesting?

What do you think: half ball or combination flat? Or something else entirely? (Click on the first image to see all the options full-size.) Thanks for your help, friends!

Half ball. The other buttons may be more interesting in themselves but the half ball goes with the simple stylized design of the coat. I think the effect of the others might be too sporty or fussy for the elegant look you are going for. IMHO

Definitely the half ball. I agree with Janet that the combination flat runs the risk of making the line of the coat too fussy - the lines of the coat are dramatic enough without adding another set of lines/details.

If the coat had any piping or piping-like stitching details similar to Collette Patterns Lady Grey, then I would say to go with the combination flat, because it would echo the details beautifully. However, as your jacket seems to be all about bold moves and clean forms, I would pick the half round (even though it isn't my favorite on its own). I think that it makes the same design statement as the rest of the coat. You just have to be careful with the scale. I would cut out some paper circles and pin them to your muslin to get a feel for the size options.

I completely agree with Janet and Gaidig: half ball would match these clean lines better! But what I really like is the buttons that are lined from under with a contrasting fabric: nobody can see it, except the person that wears the garment, which is really exciting! Do they make such things at Pat's custom buttons?

My first instinct before reading your options was "combination raised", but of the two you chose I'd go combination flat... there's just something about the combination part that makes it just that tiny bit more interesting.

Are the other options available to you? I'd concur with those that suggest adding little interest. The same-colour half ball might just disappear into a sea of blue. I like the combination raised, the top stitch, and my own personal preference, narrow ivory rim, which will really play up the blue and make the buttons pop.

I think Gaidig makes a very important point about scale. You don't have to go with Vogue's suggested size and those buttons are big. You can have any size you want, as long as you make your decision before you make the buttonholes. If it was me, I would buy a set of cheapie buttons, or use some you have, in the suggested size and put them on your muslin just to make sure you are happy. I'm pretty small, and usually scale down buttons to avoid looking swamped. I like both your choices - this is going to be a fabulous coat.

i think combination raised, or two tone because they both look the nicest to touch! But out of the two you are considering, i think that the combination flat would look really nice! The half ball is nice too, but just not my cup of tea :) xx

I vote for the flat look, either the round or square. I think the collar is the focal point on the coat and so dramatic that you really don't want to have the eyes travel to the buttons. I think the half balls will be too bumpy for the coat.

I just finished my first coat and although I did not do fabric covered buttons (or bound button holes, as I vetoed them before your post was written) I agonized over button selection when I was met with 5 different possible choices for my 1" round buttons. I ended up choosing something that in the end I second guessed. I wish I had someone with my when I was picking them out, they looked great on scrap of fabric but they were not exactly what I wanted on my finished coat.

I like the combination flat, personally. I don't think it would look too fussy at all... I have a wool coat with covered buttons in this style and it's a pretty darn subtle detail. On the other hand, the coat is bright rose pink, so what do I know about subtlety?

My vote is definitely for the "combination flat" over the "half ball". To me, the half ball looks like one you could have covered yourself from a vintage covered button kit and is very plain and bulky looking. I made many of them when I was younger. But the combination flat is much more professional looking in my opinion and adds some interest. I also really like the "combination raised"...maybe better than the flat. Would it be too costly to order one of each button before ordering a set? I think seeing them in reality would give you a better idea of what will look best. But whatever you decide, I'm sure it will turn out great!

Of the 2 my choice would be the combo flat. I think the ball may look a bit amateurish. Even tho' they both have a shank I much prefer a lower profile. I also really like the combination rounded which looks professional but has the higher profile - but not as high as the ball.